Two unsuccessful visits at running stores this week left me with low expectations going into my visit at Sole Sports (Tempe). I was starting to lose hope in my search for a shoe rep that had a firm grasp of hunting down the proper shoe type needed to accommodate for overpronation. I found that with my past experience I also had to deal with some impatience over the variety of shoes presented to me which led to sale attempts on miscellaneous running items. Plus, I know to expect to drop more than $100 on a pair of running shoes and I'd hate to leave a store with a pair that didn't impress me.
Sole Sports was the type of experience I was looking for this week and more. Jake helped me out and his customer service was exceptional!
I spent roughly over 2 hours there and at no point did I feel any pressure from Jake to make a decision as we hit the 2 hour mark. We started with a gait analysis with neutral shoes and he was quick to bring me an assortment of different stability shoes for pronation. I was impressed with his knowledge of each shoe and he educated me along the way to describe the main differences between each brand & model. Jake was incredibly patient with me when I was conflicted between a couple of pairs of shoes. He helped me narrow it down to the best candidate and was attentive to return to me each time I returned from a jog around the sidewalk outside (reps from the 2 previous stores I visited would give the impression they were displeased I returned so soon if they were having side conversations with colleagues).
What I liked the most about Jake was his enthusiasm throughout the whole process. I also appreciated that he didn't try to push any items on me that treat plantar fasciitis when I told him about the techniques and stretches I do to self-treat the affliction. Shoes were my focus and he respected that. I let him know how much I appreciated his help and hoped to speak to a manager to provide feedback about his outstanding assistance when I purchased my shoes. I will definitely return for business at this store in the future - I look forward to it!